Niet langer een gevangenis voor een aantal van de meest gevaarlijke criminelen van Amerika. Alcatraz is een onderdeel van het National Parl Service en is een must-see voor de bezoekers van de stad. Eenmaal op het eiland wordt je zeker gevangen door de geschiedenis en de immense schoonheid. Neem je camera mee, want ongeacht het uitzicht, er is altijd een fotomoment. Draag laagjes kleding )zelfs in de zomermaanden' want het eiland kan winderig zijn en het is tochtig en vochtig tussen de muren van de gevangenis. Als je de kinders wilt laten schrikken om zich te gedragen, is er een cellen audio rondleiding van Alcatraz; voor meer informatie kijk op de website. Veerboten naar Alcatra vertrekken van Pier 33, gerund door Alcatraz Cruises. Bekijk de website voor het huidige schema en compleet overzicht van de details van een bezoek.
In de late 1800's, heeft een Schot genaamd John McLaren meer dan 1000 acres (405 hectare) van zandduinen getransformeerd tot een bijzondere haven in midden in het drukke stadsleven. Zich uitstrekkend van Stanyan Street tot de Pacifische Oceaan, de prachtige eigenschappen van het landschap veranderen iedere keer dat je er bent. Er zijn paden om te wandelen, joggen, fietsen, paardrijden en een golfbaan, lawn bowling banen, voetbalvelden en een baseball veld. Voor diegene die een minder inspannende afleiding zoekt, bekijk het California Academy of Sciences en de authentieke Japanse Tea Garden. Voor families met kinderen zijn er speeltuinen, een reservaat met levende buffels en een draaimolen. Je vindt er ook de Shakespeare Tuin, als je een verborgen paadje inslaat in het Golden Gate Park.
Named one of the Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Golden Gate Bridge spans the eponymous strait that links the San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean. Designed by Joseph Strauss, Irving Morrow, and Charles Ellis, the bridge opened in 1937 as the world's longest suspension bridge, its main span measuring at an impressive 4,200 feet (1,280 meters) in length. The bridge is not quite golden, but is instead a bright orange, its Art Deco towers looming through the dense fog that often mires the bay; a sight that has come to be emblematic of the city of San Francisco. The bridge ferries vehicular and pedestrian traffic between San Francisco and Marin City, the vista points on either side boasting awe-inspiring views of the Golden Gate, while the bridge itself promises unmatched views of the bay.
Located at the western end of Golden Gate Park is San Francisco's biggest beach. It extends from Fort Funston in the south, to the Cliff House in the north. Typically, the cold winds, fog and low San Francisco temperatures deter any regular beach activities (unless you're lucky enough to be there on a hot day) but visitors fly kites or just walk along and admire the views of Seal Rocks and Point Lobos. Adventure seekers love surfing here. There are also bonfire pits provided on the beach for the general public; to claim one, go early in the evening.
The San Francisco Cable Car is one of the most popular mode of transport for those visiting the city for the first time. The cable cars run across various routes throughout, offering passengers a spectacular option for touring the City by the Bay. One could also visit the cable car barn where you get to see how the machinery operates the cable cars. All in all, there is nothing like a ride on the cable cars to tour the city.
Dolores Park is one of the main hot spots in San Francisco and is the major meet-up place for many citizens. Though it is not very large, it attracts crowds of people and the beautiful views make it worth the visit. Recreational resources include a few tennis courts, basketball courts, two soccer fields and a children's playground, but most of all Dolores Park is often used as a venue for special events such as movies in the park. Its surrounding area is known for some of San Francisco's major culinary attractions: Delfina, Pizzeria Delfina and the Tartine Bakery. It is also a great place to chill with some ice cream from the Bi-Rite Creamery. Saturday hang-outs in the park are often events themselves and it's always packed on weekends. Given its location, it's almost always sunny; the famous fog knows better than to ruin the oasis that is Dolores Park. Whether you choose to sit in Dog Beach, Hipster Beach, Speedo Ridge or partake in actual activity at the playground or tennis courts you are sure to have an unforgettable time.
The verdant Jefferson Square Park occupies an area of 5.6 acres (2.26 hectares) and remains one of the finest recreational spots in Fillmore. The lush green landscape and dense plantations offer ample shade to strollers and visitors, thus making it a popular picnic spot. Jefferson Square Park is also home to a well-laid out off-leash space, where pets can roam about freely. Perched atop a small hill, it offers scenic views of Fillmore and Western Addition.
Located in the Tenderloin District, the Father Alfred E. Boeddeker Park is a green oasis. The park has a playground for kids as well as a clubhouse that holds events.
Duboce Park was established in 1902 and was used as a refugee camp after the devastating 1906 earthquake that nearly destroyed the city. This small park has a separate are for dogs to play unleashed. It also features a playground, basketball court and the Harvey Milk Center for the Arts. There are many residences close to it and there are no boundaries distinguishing them which is rare for parklands.
You might remember the Alamo Square Park from the opening credits of the 1980s sitcom Full House, where the Tanner family is seen enjoying a picnic here in the backdrop of the Painted Ladies-Alamo Square. That was the park's shot to fame. This lovely green expanse is a place where most of the local families come to spend time under the bright San Francisco sun. At any given time, you can see kids playing, people strolling with babies or walking dogs around the park. In an otherwise bustling city, the Alamo Square Park is an oasis of peace. If you are in San Francisco, the Alamo Square Park is definitely worth a visit.